SMCS Home

 

Faith & Service at St. Mary Catholic Schools

The foundation of St. Mary Catholic Schools is our Catholic identity, based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the inspiration and guide to our schools in every dimension: in our philosophy, curriculum and community life, and in the selection and formation of our teachers, as well as in the physical environment of each school.

SMCS faculty and staff are expected to know, support and model the teachings of the Catholic Church, and Catholic identity is intentionally integrated into the academic curriculum. It is also the foundation of the philosophy and expectations that are part of co-curricular activities and competitions.

The SMCS family is a faith-based community that nurtures the spiritual lives of students, families, faculty and staff. A variety of faith opportunities are present to encourage the community to worship and pray together. Each school actively promotes service and social justice experiences as an integral part of the school, and all SMCS schools are welcoming, inclusive and safe for all who enter their doors.

Uniting Prayer (Recited at every SMCS meeting, activity and school day)

Mary, our patron and mother of us all … pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts… forever!

 


Faith & Service at St. Mary Catholic Elementary Schools

We strive to nurture students’ knowledge and practice of their faith through the celebration of liturgy, sacraments, service and prayer. A strong commitment to Catholic identity, both in the physical surroundings and in the hearts and minds of our faculty, staff and students, is an essential element of a SMCS elementary school education.

Worship & Prayer

Worship is an important aspect of our Catholic faith, and our community gathers in many ways to praise and honor God, and to thank Him for the many blessings we have received.

Each day at every St. Mary Catholic Elementary School begins in the classrooms with prayer. All students, faculty and staff join in prayer at lunch and at the end of each day. Prayer in various forms is part of each grade’s religion curriculum, and students are often asked or reminded to pray for each other’s special intentions in times of need.

Every week and on Holy Days, liturgies are planned and led by students with the parish priest at their respective parish who is actively involved in the faith development of students. Classes take turns planning and hosting the Masses, where students volunteer to fill various ministry roles including as servers, readers and musicians. Frequently, student and faculty musicians provide the music. Because students not only attend, but also participate in ministry roles, they gain a deeper appreciation of our faith. Family members and guests are welcome to join the school community for Mass.

Sacraments

During their elementary school years, students receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. In the Diocese of Green Bay, sacramental preparation is a parish responsibility and is coordinated with the parish religious education departments, but the occasion is recognized and celebrated in the schools.

Service

Throughout the school year and particularly during the seasons of Advent and Lent, we are involved in a variety of special projects to collect funds or items needed by a variety of charitable organizations.

Curriculum

In conjunction with our commitment to providing an educationally robust, faith-based education, the SMCES curriculum includes a strong foundation in the traditional elements of a well-rounded education, as well as a complement of “specials” that are part of every child’s elementary school experience.